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It’s time for another installment of Fun Facts about Australia so that when YOU come to the gala (don’t forget – Saturday October 18 at the Westin) you’ll be “in the know” about our featured country. As you read, you can also learn some Aussie phrases, which are capitalized, with American English translations in parentheses.

“How did Australia get its name, anyway?” Glad you asked. The name “Australia” comes from the Latin term Terra Australis meaning “land of the south”. Often known as Terra Australis Incognita, i.e. “the unknown land of the South”, it was the name given long ago to the unknown continent believed to exist south of the equator.

“Do people have kangaroos and koalas in their backyards?” As a general rule, no. If you live in a city or town it’s not likely you’ll see koalas or kangaroos, but if you live in the BUSH (country) or perhaps on a farm you are much more likely to have wild kangaroos or wallabies (close relatives of kangaroos) around. Kangaroos are common in the OUTBACK (very rural areas). Koalas are shy and live entirely on eucalyptus leaves, so rarely have any reason to come out of their trees. It’s hard to see them in the wild.

“Can you recommend some good Australian movies?” There are many.

If you want to get an idea of the vastness of the Australian bush and outback amid interesting stories, you can watch any of the following movies (in no particular order):

“Mad Max (1979) starring a young Mel Gibson (who is Australian, by the way).

“Crocodile Dundee” (1986) of course is the movie many Americans associate with the “real” Australia. What’s the most “real” about this movie is the landscape and the “OVER THE TOP” (exaggerated) silly story.

“Rabbit Proof Fence” (2002) details the true story of two Aborigianal girls sent to learn “white people’s ways,” trying to get back to their homeland.

“Walkabout” (1971) is a drama set in the Australian desert.

“The Man From Snowy River” (1982) is based on a famous Australian poem by the same name.

“The Adventures of Priscillia Queen of the Desert” (1994) is an over-the-top musical story of three drag queens who tour the Australian bush.

“The Dish” (2000) is based on the true story of the satellite dish positioned in Australia to capture footage of the first-ever moonwalk in 1969.

The following movies are included as a “best of” in Australian film:

“Dead Calm” (1989) based on the book and starring a young Nicole Kidman

Our 25th Anniversary Gala on October 26th drew almost 400 participants and 49 generous sponsors to a fabulous evening at the Westin which raised thousands of dollars for our programs and services. International House is extremely fortunate to have the talent, creativity, and energy of a cadre of volunteers who manage to pull off an amazing event, year after year. The benefit gala is our single most important annual fundraiser, and the revenue raised is critical to our budget. We simply could not sustain International House’s good work in the Charlotte community without the support of our sponsors and the dedicated volunteers who believe in our mission and give hundreds of hours every year to make this event a success.

Many thanks to our generous corporate sponsors and individual donors, as well as those who contributed all of the fantastic live and silent auction items. And a special word of gratitude to Gala Chair, Josane Calvert; Vice-Chairs, Sheila Bennett, Carmen Hilton, Kokila Kaul, Janet Riehle and Stefanie Staton; Antoinette Faccone who made the beautiful quilt; Gala Staff Liaison, Rusty Reynolds, and all the extraordinary members of the 2013 Gala Committee.

Antione de Saint once said “”If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” I am so grateful that the wonderful volunteers at International House can see beyond the mundane tasks to the immensity of the sea. They believe in what we do, and their spirit of giving is what makes our work possible. Thank you so very much!